Musket Cove ready for Regatta Week Musket Cove has long been a port of call for yachties visiting Fijian waters and in early spring the resort will once again play host to one of the South Pacific’s most famous sailing events – Fiji Regatta Week 2019. Festivities will run from 13 to 18 September. This will be the 36th time the event has been held! As always the emphasis is on having a ball on the water and back on land. And it’s not just for the yachties either. Musket Cove’s guests are more than welcome to join in the fun. These include the Sandbank Race and Fun Day, with chilled beverages and food available on the sandbank. Plus a tug-o-war, beer drinking competition and other fun events. There will also be a host of live entertainment. Some of Fiji’s finest bands will be playing with soulful sounds and classic tunes from Nem & Talei, dance favourites with Knox Brotherhood and Closing Night will feature the ever popular, Inside Out. If you're planning a trip to Fiji, this is definitely one event you’ll want to be part of. New Winter tastes Musket Cove puts a real emphasis on serving a wide variety of high quality food options. A particular focus has been creating light, healthy dishes - the kind that are full of flavour, but cater to different dietary needs. Take these yummy examples from their recently released Winter Lunch Menu – Tuna poke bowl with sesame soy marinated tuna, pickled ginger, brown rice, avocado and radish. Or Charred Mediterranean vegetables on couscous, black olives and tahini dressing. The new Winter Dinner Menu is equally delicious. Dukkah crusted salmon fillet with roast beetroot, rocket and cucumber salad or Island tomato and buffalo mozzarella linguini with basil and a hint of chilli. All so good, all so tempting!

Your Fiji island paradise awaits...

Just steps from the pristine sands of Lailai in the , Fiji, sits the iconic Musket Cove, a four-star island resort which blends the barefoot ambience of a tropical island with the warm hospitality and traditions of the Fijian people. [email protected] | musketcovefiji.com

Winter 2019 islandtime 17 Recognition flows for Six Senses Fiji

Carl Amos

Key back office staff also have the same level of guest contact, and they blend Six Senses have successfully together different touchpoints while guests are at Six Senses Fiji. In April 2019, Frans Westraadt became the new General Manager of Six Senses Fiji. After five years of created an experience that immersion in the Six Senses family (as Resident Manager at Six Senses Laamu, Maldives, and Resort Manager at Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand), his Six Senses sets them apart from others. skillset is already proving to be a major asset and gamechanger for the resort. Recently appointed Sales and Marketing Director, Carl Amos also brings a wealth of South Pacific travel experience to his role. He is no stranger to Fiji, previously holding the Their mantra is sustainable luxury. Think personal wellness screening that points you position of Marketing Manager for South Seas Cruises and before that he was Director towards a more wholesome lifestyle. A hilltop yoga pavilion where you can stretch of Sales and Marketing for Sheraton Samoa Hotels and Resorts based in Samoa as your body and mind (while overlooking the sparkling blue sea). Freshly squeezed well as Director, Global Sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in New Zealand. vegetable juices, homemade kombucha and organic ingredients – plate after nutritious plate. Fiona Winger has been promoted to Resort Manager, Six Senses Fiji. She has led the team from an operational perspective since October 2018. Fiona was previously Rooms These are just a few of the nourishing qualities to be enjoyed at Six Senses Fiji. Then Division Manager at Sheraton Island Resort & Spa, and also Sheraton Fiji add in top-shelf service, a beach that Tourism Fiji shot in their latest brand campaign, Resort and Westin Fiji Resort on Denarau. Fiona’s depth of knowledge on Fiji resorts is and a selection of fine villas and suites and architecturally designed residence options. unparalleled and she will be leading the day-to-day operational team at Six Senses Fiji. It’s the complete package for those who appreciate tropical luxury, that leaves Needless to say, Six Senses Fiji is in very good hands. And likewise, guests are in a mark on you and less of a mark on the surrounding environment. It’s also no very good hands too. surprise the resort has gained a number of awards for its commitment and quality. Last year the annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) named Six Senses Fiji the winner of the Climate Action Category. Then TIME Magazine released its first list of the World’s Top 100 Greatest Places – it included Six Senses Fiji. Getting there Fast forward to 2019. Luxury Travel Magazine Australia released their 2019 Gold Six Sense Fiji is located on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Group. There are List. Six Senses Fiji won the title for Best Overseas Luxury Family Resort. It also two ways to get from the mainland out to Malolo Island. First by scheduled made the finalist list for two other categories in the Gold List - Best Overseas Luxury speedboat transfer leaving from the Six Senses private pier at Port Denarau. Resort and Best South Pacific Luxury Resort. All fine achievements for a resort that Six Senses Fiji owns two luxury speedboats and guests can be transported is still very much a recent addition to the Fiji market. directly to Six Senses Fiji. For those who don’t wish to wait for the scheduled Of course, none of this success would happen without great people. A big part transfer, private speedboat transfers can be arranged. The other option is the of Six Senses' attraction is the personal service. And it begins from the second 12-minute helicopter transfer directly from International Airport, with the you step foot on the island when you’re introduced to your very own GEM (Guest Six Senses helipad at the rear of the property. Experience Maker). If you need anything big or small, they are your go-to-guy or girl.

18 islandtime Winter 2019 Fiji

Captain Cook extends Fiji cruise sale Great news for those wanting to explore Avid divers and beginners can experience the colourful underwater world with two mind blowing scuba dives offered daily and always in different locations. beautiful Fiji by water. Onboard, passengers can be pampered at the ship’s Senikai Day Spa, laze by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has extended their 25 percent off cruise sale, until the pool or jacuzzi, play a board game, watch a movie in the lounge, or simply 31 July 2019, with travel until 31 March 2020. The sale is valid on all three, four relax on the open top deck and watch the breathtaking scenery go by. and seven-night Mamanuca, and remote Fiji Discovery cruises. Plus solo travellers pay no single supplement, only twin share prices. Dining is another vital ingredient of these incredible cruises. Whether it's an alfresco luncheon, a casual barbecue or table d’hote dinner, all food is prepared Captain Cook offer guests the chance to unpack once and visit parts of from fresh local and imported produce. A Complimentary Captain’s Kid’s Club is Fiji larger ships cannot reach - discovering Fijian culture, deserted beaches available for children five-nine years old and operates between 9am and 12noon, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the South Pacific aboard the 2pm to 5pm and 6pm to 9pm. No children under five years are accepted aboard 130-passenger, fully accommodated MV Reef Endeavour cruise ship. Reef Endeavour. Offering a truly heart-warming cultural experience, passengers can visit remote Fares include shipboard accommodation, all meals, guided village tours, school Fijian villages and schools, interact and play with local children, experience a and island tours, snorkelling and glass bottom boat excursions, daily island Fijian church service and a traditional village Sevusevu ceremony, with a meke stopovers and water activities, hikes and kayak safaris, on board entertainment, and a lovo feast. kids club (five-nine years), onboard WiFi at anchor, 24-hour self-service tea and coffee bar, use of the ship's facilities including a swimming pool, spa, mini Then there’s the watersports. Daily snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding gym, sun deck, cocktail bar and library and post-cruise transfers to Nadi and relaxing on white sandy beaches and swimming in crystal clear waters. Denarau hotels and Nadi airport. Non-swimmers can see the picturesque coral and sea life on daily glass bottom boating tours, escorted by a Marine Biologist. Visit www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

FIJI’S CRUISE LINE

Special offer 25% * DISCOVER FIJI WITH US OFF Escape the resorts and experience the real Fiji... the diverse cultures, remote islands, pristine reefs and hidden waterfalls. Don’t just visit Fiji, explore it! 3, 4, 7 & 11 NIGHT DISCOVERY CRUISES OPEN DATED DAY CRUISES & SUNSET DINNER CRUISES

Ask about our great Industry fares and Incentives

*Book before 31 July 2019 and travel before May 31 2020 and receive a 25% discount on full brochure fares. Discounts are capacity controlled and subject to load. Not valid with any other offer. Your preferred wholesaler has full details. book now 1300captaincookcruisesfiji.com 86 3454 or [email protected] captaincookcruisesfiji.com

*Book before June 30, 2019 and travel before May 31, 2020 and receive a 25% discount on full brochure fares. Discounts are capacity controlled and subject to load. Not valid with any other offer. Mention this add or quote PHP19 to receive this deal.

Winter 2019 islandtime 19 Fiji

Fiji Airways flies into the future with new aircrafts Fiji’s National Airline, with the Fijian Government, has announced two new-generation planes will join its fleet this year. The airline says the two A350 XWBs are a commitment to passenger satisfaction and sustainability. The planes will mostly be used to service popular routes between the US and Australia, Combining the latest aerodynamics, new Rolls-Royce engines and the use of lightweight materials, the planes are expected to save 25 per cent in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions, compared to previous generation crafts of a similar-size. “Ultimately, a luxury, world-class destination, like Fiji, deserves a luxury, world-class travel experience and that’s exactly what these aircraft will deliver. For our guests, the holiday starts the moment they board the aircraft,” said Fiji Airways CEO Mr. Andre Viljoen. Business Class will feature fully lie-flat beds and Economy Class has Recaro seats which are ranked among the most comfortable long-haul economy class seats on the market. The aircraft has the latest generation inflight entertainment system and WiFi connectivity. The two new aircraft will complement Fiji Airways’ existing widebody fleet of six Airbus A330s, with delivery set for November and December this year. Around the clock transfers with Malolo Cat The newest addition to the Malolo Cat fleet, MV is now available for private, 24-hour transfers. This means groups requiring a transfer from Port Denarau out to Plantation Island Resort, Musket Cove or Lomani Resort now have the flexibility to be able to depart outside regular ferry timetables. MV Malolo Lailai can comfortable cater for up to 21 passengers and is perfect for groups wanting a more personalised transfer service. AHU3030 - I T

Fiji’s first and only authentic over-water bures.

Luxury. A special place in a magical location for adults only. Proudly Fijian owned and traditionally designed amidst a pristine and protected natural environment, surrounded by azure ocean. Stay 7 nights and receive free helicopter, seaplane or private speedboat transfers*. For reservations and information visit Or between November and March, stay 5 nights and receive a sixth night FREE. www.likulikulagoon.com or Telephone +(679) 672 0978 From NZD $850pp* per night including all meals. * Email: [email protected] Conditions apply. Approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates.

20 islandtime Winter 2019 Fiji Kokomo Private Island’s new luxury hangar Kokomo Private Island Resort has opened Nadi International Airport’s first private aviation hangar. Complete with a luxury transfer lounge, the new private hangar offers guests an exclusive return transfer from Fiji mainland to the island. The transfer lounge, whose interior replicates the island’s villas, includes entertainment, seating, a playroom for families, refreshments as well as shower facilities for guests to refresh after long-haul flights. At 2266m2, Kokomo’s private hangar offers housing for two twin-otter seaplanes and two helicopters and is staffed with 49 team members including pilots, engineers, scheduling, hospitality and ground staff. To celebrate the launch, Kokomo is currently offering complimentary return helicopter and seaplane transfers from Nadi International Airport, for all new bookings for travel prior to 20 December 2019. A minimum five-night stay applies.

Flyaway to Castaway has announced a new ‘Flyaway to Castaway’ special for guests who want to arrive at their holiday resort in style. The luxurious helicopter transfer for two adults from Nadi Airport to Castaway Island includes a scenic fifteen-minute flight across the Mamanuca Islands region, followed by a warm ‘Bula!’ welcome at the resort’s heli-pad. You’ll be sharing instagram-worthy photos of this arrival for years to come! Castaway Island is a four-star resort offering traditional island-style accommodation on 174 acres of tropical rainforest surrounded by white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs and bright blue South Pacific waters. The free-standing thatched bures feature traditional high-vaulted tapa-lined ceilings and artistic Fijian touches. Here you will enjoy home comforts without the distractions of television, telephone or WiFi. Bliss.

Be free at Malolo! Malolo Island Resort is about a bure near the beach, surrounded by the world’s friendliest people with a living and authentic culture. Perfect for families and couples alike, you can fill your day with a myriad of activities or simply unwind and do nothing at all. Year round choose from F$200 resort credits, Kids Eat FREE with 5 night stays, or between November and March, stay 5 nights and receive 1 extra night FREE! Malolo. This is the way the world should be. AHU2481/VT–HPH T +679 672 0978 | [email protected] www.maloloisland.com

For reservations and information NZD visit www.maloloisland.com 530 *Conditions apply. Approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates.

Winter 2019 islandtime 21 Fiji Malolo Island Fiji Following the passion of Executive Chef Ryan Ward, Malolo Island Resort has turned its culinary focus to the freshest local seafood. The catch comes directly from local fisherman, fishing and diving in the Mamanuca region, cutting out the middleman. This means the fisherman get the profits directly and Malolo gets the freshest seafood. Ward is also a keen fisherman, and whatever he catches goes on the menu that very night. He believes that with such a resource comes a responsibility and he is focused on sustainability in his kitchen, turning away lobsters that come with eggs or fish that are undersized, and any fish in breeding season. As well as being fresh, the cuisine at Malolo is masterfully cooked, with dishes that use Fijian produce in modern way. Ward is now using modern techniques to reduce the sugar and fat content in Fijian desserts. Try the Roasted Coconut Ice cream which uses only coconut cream and honey or the ‘Cassava Crumpet', a lighter and fluffier dish than the traditional cassava cake. Or how about the Chocolate Mousse Semi-Sphere, made using world class Fijiana Cacao chocolate and local young coconut sorbet. Heaven. Ben brings home global award Ben Johnson, Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, has been named ‘2018 Director of the Year – Sales and Marketing’ at the Outrigger Hospitality Group’s ‘The Outrigger Way’ annual awards ceremony held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Ben has been in his current role since November 2015 and has become well known for his signature beard, unique sense of humour and his infectious laugh! His connection with key wholesalers, airline and industry partners and his own team led to his nomination as an excellent ambassador for the two Fiji properties and the Outrigger Hospitality Group in general. Castaway Island General Manager, Mr Steven Andrews said that the Outrigger Group and specifically Castaway Island were extremely lucky to have such a loyal and committed advocate and one who certainly deserves recognition for his dedication and hard work.

22 islandtime Winter 2019 Pacific Island Air Your passport to beautiful Fiji

Fiji is blessed with some superb mainland resorts, but for some visitors the ‘only’ Fiji is ‘island’ Fiji. It’s understandable, given the flawless white sand beaches, clear blue waters and laid back vibe that an island experience delivers. The only hurdle is getting there.

An extensive network of ferries run out of Port Denarau, however the extra hours associated with a sea transfer can soon add up. Especially when your international flight times don’t match the ferry schedule. The other easier, much quicker transfer option is to fly with a company like Pacific Island Air by seaplane or helicopter. On a recent family trip to Paradise Cove (Yasawa Islands), we had the pleasure and convenience of a seaplane transfer. After landing at Nadi International, it was the simple matter of strolling across to the Domestic Terminal and checking in for a flight that departed 30 minutes later. No mucking around. No bored, irritable kids. Taking off in a seaplane from tarmac seems a bit odd at first, but once you’re in the air, the wheels come up and after a scenic 20-minute flight you’re touching down on smooth blue water directly in front of your resort. A boat picks you and your luggage up and within a minute or so you’re there. Relaxed and ready for island time. As with any travel it’s also nice to know you’re in safe hands. Pacific Island Air is part of Christchurch based GCH Aviation. GCH were recently accepted into Virtuoso’s selective portfolio of luxury travel partners – an honour that is only bestowed after passing through a rigorous acceptance process. On top of that Pacific Island Air will be adding two more helicopters to their existing fleet. These are due to be flying in August. Which means even more ways you can discover the beauty of Fiji.

Winter 2019 islandtime 23 Fiji

The Ultimate Girls Week Away! We all know that many women lead very busy lives. Which is why it’s healthy to have a little time out from it all. Plantation Island Resort has come up with the perfect anti- dote for frazzled females! The inaugural "Ultimate Girls Week Away" will be held at the resort 15 – 22 February 2020.

The event is a seven-day women-only getaway that has the exclusive charter of the resort. The keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the best selling book Eat Pray Love, and the week will include various workshops, activities, adventures, wellness programs and entertainment. Sounds like the ideal way to start the year!

Everyone’s happy at Hilton Fiji Although Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa is part of Denarau’s multi-resort development, its position on eastern tip of the island makes it the most private. Great location aside, the resort has many more features that make it popular with guests. The open plan room layouts are spacious and have a seamless indoor outflow flow. They’re ideal for couples and families alike. The two groups are catered for in other ways too. Couples can escape the noise at Koro, the resorts dedicated adults-only club. Think gym, bar, restaurant, pool area and peace and quiet. And at the other end of the resort, the young ones can play until their hearts’ content at IKA Kids Club. And the icing on the cake? The resort has a first-class selection of dining options. They include Nuku, a splendid poolside dining restaurant. And Maravu, an Asian- inspired beachfront eatery that adds a touch of spice to any holiday.

WHEELCHAIRWHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE VEHICLE TTF upgradesTTF upgrades to the tolatest the wheelchairlatest wheelchair accessible accessible vehicle tovehicle a new to level a new with level BraunAbility. with BraunAbility. Special properties Special propertiesare: are: • TTF upgrades330kg lift capabilityto the latest wheelchair accessible vehicle to a new level with BraunAbility. Special properties are: • 330kg• 330kg lift capability lift capability • 8 passengers customized sitting • 8• passengers8 passengers customized customized sitting sitting • Client in wheel chair sits in between other passengers • Client• Client in wheel in wheelchair sits chair in betweensits in between other passengers other passengers • Lock• andLock fully and secured fully secured • Enough• Enough luggage luggage space space • Electronic• Electronic operated operated lift and lifthas and manual has manual override override in case ofin emergencycase of emergency

TTF hasTTF the has only the wheelchair only wheelchair vehicle vehicle in the tourism in the tourismindustry industryin Fiji. in Fiji.

For moreFor moreinformation, information, please please log on www.touristtransportfiji.comlog on www.touristtransportfiji.com or email usor emailon [email protected] us on [email protected]

24 islandtime Winter 2019 On course. Off course. It’s all about having fun.

Golden Oldies Golf Festival 15-21 September, Denarau, Fiji

When a New Zealand Rugby Union councillor named Tom Johnson, organised an Over 35’s rugby festival in Auckland in 1979, it heralded the start of Golden Oldies. Today this active international sporting family is spread across six different sports. The next exciting event will take place in the beautiful islands of Fiji. This September, the Golden Oldies Golf Festival will bring together a fun loving bunch of Over 35’s for a week of tropical golfing, poolside relaxation and some legendary Golden Oldies fun. Fun being the operative word. After all, Golden Oldies sport isn’t about winning – it’s about staying active, travelling to amazing destinations, catching up with old friends, making new ones and loving every minute of your time away. The on course action will take place at Denarau Golf Club where three rounds will be played. Along with one round at the Natadola Bay Golf Course on the Coral Coast – a championship standard course boasting panoramic ocean views. Off course, participants will enjoy the comfort and space of The Palms Apartments, just steps from all the bars, restaurants and entertainment in Port Denarau. Event package includes: + Six nights accommodation at The Palms, Port Denarau + Four rounds of golf – three at Denarau, one at Natadola Bay + Daily prize table + Festival awards + Festival gift + Two functions (Welcome Party, Awards Dinner) + Transfers to and from Airport + Transfers to Natadola Bay Player Packages from $NZ1,695 Non-Player Packages from $NZ1,295

Do you have clients who would love a golfing getaway? Get in touch with Mike Godinet, Tournament Director at [email protected] www.goldenoldiesgolf.com

Winter 2019 islandtime 25